Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW is a therapist, author, speaker, and business owner. He attended Essex County Public Schools as a child, spending seven years in special education. Ronnie's early academic challenges ignited a passion within him to pursue social justice and to work with the youth. Ronnie moved to Norfolk in 2002 to attend Old Dominion University. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Human Services in 2006.

Ronnie is the author of four graphic novels, including one best-seller. He has been featured on Fox and Friends Weekend, MichaeLA, NPR, and NBC12 News. NMS principal, Mr. Doyle, helped Ronnie publish his latest book, Rest in Peace RaShawn, by introducing him to a group of students who served as his co-editors. During the event, Ronnie will share how he turned his struggle his strength and became an internationally known author and speaker.